The Minnesota State Fair is happy to announce the new attractions, exhibits and other elements for the 2021 Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together. The following is a list of experiences debuting this year.
Joyful World Mural Park Imagination and joy come to life as local artists paint 10 large-scale artworks that reflect the world they want to live in. Throughout the fair’s 12 days, artists will be on-site creating their murals. Joyful World Mural Park is produced in partnership with Forecast Public Art. Please note that the artists will be working on their artwork on a rotating basis, and not all artists will be on-site every day. Murals and information about the artists will be on display all 12 days of the fair.
Select artists on-site daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located west of Chambers Street between West Dan Patch and Carnes avenues.
Riptide This spectacular roller coaster, reaching 55’ high, has all the ups and downs and twists and turns for that end-of-summer adrenaline rush you missed last year. Please note that riders must be 48” tall.
Located at Mighty Midway.
American Red Cross Blood Drive Give donating a spin! The American Red Cross brings an expanded pop-up donation site to the North End Event Center at a time when the nation’s blood supply could use a big boost. Advance appointments are strongly encouraged. Transforming the North End Event Center into a large blood donation site, the American Red Cross will have more donation beds, more staff and more space to create an enjoyable, comfortable donation experience at the fair. The center will also include Power Red machines, so eligible donors can give nearly twice the amount of red cells to help more patients. In addition, eligible donors can choose to receive free sickle cell trait screening. Plus, of course there will be donor giveaways and the opportunity to learn more about the work of the Red Cross. The summer’s severe blood shortage and ongoing disaster responses mean the need for blood donations is great – learn more and make an appointment: redcross.org/mnstatefair
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day); last appointment is approximately one hour prior to closing. Located in the North End Event Center.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Cattle Barn One of the most iconic buildings on the State Fairgrounds, the Cattle Barn, was completed in 1921. Stop by to view an educational timeline outlining the classic building’s many milestones over the past century, plus a photo opportunity to commemorate 100 years.
The Cattle Barn, originally known as the Livestock Pavilion, is a massive brick structure covering 117,450 square feet with sufficient housing for 1,000 head of cattle. It was designed by famed and prolific architect Clarence H. Johnston. Among his extensive list of work is the design of Williams Arena and
Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, and dozens of stately homes in St. Paul, especially on Summit Avenue.
The Cattle Barn is located south of Judson Avenue, between Stevens and Liggett streets.
More New Food Vendors Welcome! Two booths – Baba’s and Solem Concessions Cheese Curds and Mini Donuts – will make their debut at the 2021 Minnesota State Fair! They join the four new food vendors announced in mid-July.
• Baba’s: Featuring a variety of hummus bowls, including Hummus bi lahme (minced beef shawarma, lemon sauce, parsley, pine nuts, sumac); Chili Baba (garlic chili oil, kimchi, scallions, za’atar); Falafelicious (falafel, fried eggplant, warm chickpeas, pickled cabbage, Arabic pickles, tahini, sumac); Dilly Dilly (dill pickle hummus, dill pickles, cheese curds, crispy onions; Truffle (truffle hummus, roasted wild mushrooms, pine nuts); Baba Gone Wild (create your own); and more. Served with warm or fried pita. (Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available) Located on the east side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues, just south of Little Farm Hands • Solem Concessions Cheese Curds and Mini Donuts: Featuring brand-new blueberry mini donuts, plus classic cheese curds in Cajun (new to the fair!), ranch, garlic and original flavors. Located on the east side of Underwood Street between Murphy and Lee avenues
Destination Healthy Skin Ten minutes is all it takes to achieve one of the keys to healthy skin – early detection. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile skin cancer education and screening program offers free full-body skin exams by licensed dermatologists.
Inside this specially equipped RV, guests can ask questions and get skin cancer early detection and prevention information. After completing a brief form, visitors enter a private room, change into a gown, and a licensed dermatologist will exam their skin from head to toe. The doctor will note any findings on the form and make recommendations for next steps, which may include a formal visit to a dermatologist. The exam takes approximately 10 minutes. It’s best to arrive early, as screenings are provided on a first- come basis and subject to physician availability. (Please note that masks will be required aboard the RV and will be provided for visitors if they do not have one. The RV is equipped with a HEPA air filtration system, and hand sanitizer will be available.)
Saturday, Aug. 28, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located on Underwood Street, north of Murphy Avenue east of the Pet Pavilions.
Catch Co.’s Bassmobile Get reeled in to fishing! This outfitted RV features family-friendly games and activities – and giveaways – to share the joy of fishing and inspire beginning anglers. Plus explore Catch Co.’s innovative fishing gear products.
With a mission to rescue people from the indoors by creating amazing products, content and shopping experiences for the modern angler, Catch Co. started as a Facebook group to share tips and fishing tales. The company now has more than 2 million followers across its social media channels, including its popular YouTube channel. In addition to fun, engaging activities, the Bassmobile will also showcase a pop-up shop of its innovative Mystery Tackle Box subscription service and fishing gear available at MysteryTackleBox.com and shopkarls.com.
Sunday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located on the south side of Wright Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets.
Fraser Sensory Building This new take-a-break oasis is specially created for fair guests of all ages with sensory-processing challenges who may find the sights, sounds, smells and crowds of the fair overwhelming.
The Fraser take-a-break sensory space in the Fraser Sensory Building offers a calming atmosphere, support staff and private side entrance. Fraser-trained sensory support volunteers will help fair guests calm their sensory systems with tools and techniques, so they can rejoin the fun.
Front-of-building activities include games, giveaways, special guests, employment information and educational resources. Fraser, a nonprofit that has served Minnesotans for more than 85 years, is the premier provider and expert on services that intersect the needs of autism, mental health and diverse intellectual, emotional and physical needs.
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day). Located on the west side of Cosgrove Street, south of the Home Improvement Building.
North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Cart Central Regional Finals One of the most prestigious draft horse events in the United States and Canada holds its Central Regional Finals exhibition at the Minnesota State Fair.
The Minnesota State Fair Horse Show is proud to host this event, bringing together premier draft horse hitches from a region encompassing 12 states and central Canada. At stake is a coveted spot in the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series World Finals Championship to be held later this year. This event is free with fair admission.
The North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Cart Central Regional Finals will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum. Located south of Judson Avenue between Liggett and Clough streets.
Covid Community Vaccination Clinic at the Fair Free, safe and effective covid vaccinations are coming to the Minnesota State Fair! No appointment, identification or insurance necessary.
The Minnesota Department of Health, Ramsey County and Homeland Health are offering all eligible fair guests the chance to roll up their sleeves and get their covid vaccine. Minnesotans can walk into the community vaccination clinic at the North End Event Center to receive their vaccine, and after a short waiting period, return to the fun of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day) Located in the North End Event Center, north of Murphy Avenue.
Crop Art To Go Competition In 2020, fair fans made the most of a year without a get-together and purchased the first-ever Crop Art To Go kits to try their hand at a State Fair tradition unlike any other. How did they fare? We have a new competition category open to those who made creations using the patterns and materials included in the at-home kits!
Unique to the Minnesota State Fair, crop art is made from Minnesota-grown seeds, stems and other plant parts, and the talent, humor and creativity of Minnesotans is on full display in the Agriculture Horticulture Building. This year, the exhibition also will feature novice and experience categories for those who used the materials of the Crop Art To Go kits. Don’t miss this popular and iconic competition!
If you have a summer or holiday edition of the Crop Art To Go kit and would like to enter this competition, the deadline to register is Aug. 13. (We’re sorry, but the kits are now sold out, so we no longer have them available.)
Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Labor Day). Located in the Agriculture Horticulture Building, on the west side of Cooper Street north of Judson Avenue.
New Locations Since our last get-together, a handful of exhibitions and attractions have found new homes, including the wildly popular 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Competition, the thrill rides of Adventure Park, and the always interesting FFA agriculture technology competition entries.
• 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Competition gets new digs in the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum: In this kitschy contest unique to Minnesota, catch 4-H’ers and their llamas & alpacas in complementary costumes. For a better fan experience, the contest moves to the Warner Coliseum and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. Following the costume contest, the fun continues with 4-H’ers and their llamas & alpacas competing in novelty games. • Adventure Park moves southeast to south of Judson Avenue between the CHS Miracle of Birth Center and the Dairy Building: The aerial view will be a little different for those who dare to try the fair’s biggest thrill attractions, including Skyscraper and Sling Shot, plus the Turbo Bungy and Rock Climbing Wall. • FFA Agriculture Technology Exhibits are now showcased in the Agriculture Horticulture Building: Formerly housed in the Education Building, this group of competitions features the work of talented FFA youth who are exhibiting restored tractors; large construction agricultural and home equipment such as wood chairs and work benches; introductory projects such as bird houses, planters, sheet metal projects, tool boxes, laser-designed projects and furniture; and educational materials and displays relating to the themes of leadership; power, structures & electricity systems; natural resource & environmental systems; and animal & plant systems.
Located throughout the fairgrounds.
Updates to Know Before You Go If you have questions about this year’s plans or are curious about what’s new and what’s changed since the last time we got-together, use the Updates page on our website to learn more about the 2021 State Fair and how to make the most of your visit. Please check back often – we’ll update this page frequently throughout the summer. mnstatefair.org/updates/
Handcrafted Home & Garden Décor: 8 New Vendors • The Art Cave Company: Artistically restored exact replicas of official patent art images on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office • Bailey Builds: Wood mosaic wall artwork made in Duluth with new and reclaimed wood • D-Lighted Designs: Custom-engraved acrylic designs with LED light stands and frames • Paul’s Porch Pots: Maple syrup buckets repurposed as porch pots, plus other décor • Perfect Pleasures: Handmade copper and brass garden items
• Reflections By Megan: Original black and white acrylic paintings by artist Megan Johnson printed on cards, paper, canvases, T-shirts, stickers and totes • Ricki and Sons: Custom and Minnesota-themed metal home décor, wall art, outdoor metal art, fire pit surrounds and lake signs • Wettrock Co.: Handcrafted artisanal furnishings pairing foundry hand-poured cast iron with natural wood
Hobbies & Foodie Fun: 8 New Vendors • Gentleman Forager: Specializing in wild-sourced or wildly unique products such as Lions Mane Mushroom-Infused Nut Butter and Wild Black Walnut Roll Premium Candy Bars. Other items include fresh wild mushrooms, urban farm-raised cricket snacks, grow-at-home mushroom kits, mushroom soap, foraging tools and more. • Götze: Professional-grade Swiss kitchen scissors and peelers • Here’s the Deal Spice Co.: Unique spice blends, including 127 Blend, BBQ Rib Rub, Wing Blend, Togarashi and Bloody Mary Rim • Kracken Adventure Bikes: Folding electric bikes designed for those who like to travel • Line Cutterz: As seen on Shark Tank – patented Line Cutterz ring and zipper pulls to cut fishing line. Plus lanyards, kayak nets, bug repellent, micro scissors, logoed hats and shirts, and more • Own Your Own Arcade Game: Brand-new classic arcade games • Stunt Puppy: Locally made gear for active dogs and their owners • Traeger Wood-Fired Grills: Wood pellet grills, wood pellets, grill accessories, sauces and rubs
Unique Gifts: 11 New Vendors • Carden Farms: Handmade wood and metal folk art designs featuring the Log Hog. Plus soaps, beard and shaving kits and more • Fantastic World of Art by Russian Souvenirs: Music boxes, ornaments, nesting dolls, figurines, Fabergé eggs, lacquer boxes, hand-painted jewelry and decorative trays • Faribault Woolen Mill: Ultra-fine wool blankets, throws, scarves, totes, coffee sleeves, wine bags and more • Green Bubble Gorgeous: Handcrafted soaps, body butters, sugar scrubs, lip balms, lotions, bath bombs, soaps and more • Native Spirit: Native crafts; dream catchers; leather, beaded, silver and bamboo jewelry; apparel; backpacks and handbags • Pink Zebra: Sprinkle fragrances, simmering lights, oil fragrances, hand sanitizer, car fresheners and more • Rock HQ: Officially licensed band and music apparel, wallets, bags, jewelry and more • Steller Handcrafted Goods: Nordic creations made from repurposed wool sweaters – mittens, purses, catnip mice and more. Plus a variety of Scandinavian gift items • StrauBerry Park: Children’s books and plush toys by local author/illustrator Christopher Straub. Plus enamel pins, stickers, shirts and more • Worker B: Beehive-derived skincare products, beeswax candles, raw and local honey, herbal tea, custom aromatherapy blends and other pollinator-friendly items • Your Ears Rock: Raising awareness of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus through the Loudest Drive Competition, which measures the impulse level of a driver hitting a golf ball, plus sales of NHL and NCAA officially licensed hearing protection
Threads & Accessories: 11 New Vendors • Batakali Fashion Design: African clothing, hats and jewelry • Crystal Vision: Sunglasses for men, women and children
• Hippy Feet: American-made eco-friendly socks and apparel by a Minneapolis corporation with a mission to support homeless youth • Just For Littles: Children's clothing, including dresses, socks, leggings and shorts • Korie’s Kloset: Boutique children’s clothes, backpacks, headbands, sun hats and birthday crowns • Midsommar Clothing Company: Nordic-inspired flag-forward T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more • Minnesota Explorer: Branded flannel wear, loungewear, athletic apparel, socks, backpacks, tote bags, blankets and more • Nobler Wild: Handcrafted, vintage-inspired children’s clothing designs by Tiffany Felty, children’s shoes and accessories and face coverings • Southern Glam Boutique: Women’s jeans, shirts, scarves, dresses, boots and shoes • Switch Hoods: Women’s denim jackets, cargo jackets and vests – all with interchangeable hoods • Three Wandering Gypsys: Variety of women’s footwear brands
Out & About and in the Community: 12 New Vendors • Action 4 Liberty: Sign up to support the Action 4 Liberty mission and spin to win giveaways • Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota: Support and information about available services for veterans • Lift Up: Connecting donors who want to support life-changing impact locally and globally through certified, tangible projects such as clean water, housing, health care, education and hunger relief • Minnesota Propane Association: Promoting propane safety and Minnesota propane companies • Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors: Educational materials promoting the land surveyor profession • Minnesota Women’s Soccer: Brand-new expansion franchise of the pre-professional United Soccer League W League, set to begin play in May 2022 • NorthBridge Corp.: Three companies – Rumi, a roommate matching platform connecting individuals with disabilities to caregiver-roommates; Bridges, which empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve goals and live their most independent lives; and Northstar Behavioral Health, specializing in stimulant and opioid addiction recovery • Northern Minnesota Arrowhead Region: Showcasing the many beautiful sights and things to do in Minnesota’s Iron Range area • The People’s Party: Information on a new progressive populist political party • Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC): Interactive walk-thru display with information about the history, culture, language and values of the SMSC and Minnesota’s 10 other tribal nations. The first tribal government to have an exhibit booth at the State Fair, the SMSC also presents information on the Understand Native Minnesota campaign to improve education about and representation of Native Americans in Minnesota school curriculum. • United States Postal Service: Employee recruiting and information on current job openings • Visit Bemidji: Visitor guides and tourism information on arts & entertainment, outdoor experiences, shopping, dining and more
Home Solutions: 7 New Vendors • Clauson’s: All-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable Clauson’s Green polish and multi-surface cleaner • Dirttrapper Mat: Doormat fibers keep dirt, mud, leaves, grass and water off floors and carpet, with anti-skid backing • Eurosteam Iron: Ultimate steam iron in compact designs with a powerful built-in boiler system • Hamernick’s Interior Solutions: Twin Cities’ premier source for residential and commercial flooring • Nordness: Patented NORLTM drill bit holder
• Shelf Genie Twin Cities: Design and implementation of custom home access solutions for cabinets and pantries • WaterFurnace International: Geothermal and water source heat pumps
For more information and a complete list of vendors at the 2021 State Fair, use the Fair Finder at mnstatefair.org/fair-finder/shops/ mid-August.
Visit mnstatefair.org for more information and photos of the 2021 New Attractions.